What Gianni humbly omitted from his last article is that once he finishes ranting about sock color (actually, the lack of need for any color other than than white), he recovers quickly and we wrap up the Keepers executive board meeting with him tearing our legs off on the ride home from the bar with his magnificent stroke. Because after all, he is Rule #72.
But I digress. All the chit-chat Gianni’s article generated, and the timing of it with a new shoe purchase on my end, has me ruminating on Rule #8. Matching saddle, handlebar tape, and tires is, for the Velominatus at least, quite the no-brainer as it were. The only really poignant question I recall ever being raised is whether Vittoria Open Pave’s have an exemption because they are awesome and scream hardman tire (I think they are acceptable).
But what of shoes? They are the one piece of kit that most often throws a rider’s coordination out of sync. Of course this has traditionally been fine as shoes are such a personal matter that expecting one to match one’s shoes with the rest of one’s kit is hopeful at best. That being said, I wonder if shoes are less kit and more equipment. They transfer power directly from rider to bike and thus they are mechanical, they are engineered by smart people using fancy computers, and they render the machine virtually unrideable without them. In fact, I’ve often wondered why retailers list them under “clothing” and why online review forums don’t put them under “drivetrain” instead of “clothing and accessories”.
So if you don’t accept my premise, at least humor me here. If shoes are equipment and not kit, why would anyone buy a pair that didn’t match the rest of their bike? Surely, with the abundance of shoe choices on the market these days I would think one could make every effort to find a pair that fits, has the features and performance characteristics sought, falls within price range, and matches the rest of the bike.
I happened upon this concept casually deliberately this week. You see, I’ve been sporting considerable carbone over Fi’zi:k’s new shoe line ever since they were introduced (you might say I have a thing for shoes). So when a new pair of R3’s fell into my lap for number 1 I was forced to shift the Yellow Princesses over to number 3. The yellow decals and accents on the Serotta look awesome with the YP’s and the new R3’s are oh so sublime with the BMC. Splendid, indeed.
So I’ll put it to you, the Velominati. Does Rule #8 need amending? Are shoes equipment and not clothing? Do we, perhaps, need a new rule pertaining to shoe/bike matching (I think not but a suggestion might be in order). These are the things that keep the Keepers up at night.
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Nice new shoes! So the all silver Sidi 2s are the Silver Bullets, I think, and those are the Quicksilvers, eh.
I like those red gatorskin Colnagos! Those are awesome. Would look great with the faux denim Shit Kit from Carrera. Red gator shoes and a full denim jumper. Class!
Of course, I did receive "most unique sense of style" honors in the high school yearbook.
One does have to wonder about the marketing "gurus" at Sidi. I like their shoes, but a skinny, oiled up lad wearing nothing doesn't really make me want to buy their shoes. Have to wonder the target audience with that one. Then again, the cooking commercial on Eurosport, which begins with the skateboarding scene, is a weird one too.
@Ron
I'm female and I'm loving my Sidis even more now! ;-)
@Mikel Pearce
Contacted Vittoria USA and provided local dealer info. Hora! Hora! (image)
http://www.vittoria-shoes.com/products-dett.php?id_art=13&cat=STRADA
@Marko
Marko, I recently rode with a mate who had a pair of Yellow Princesses and it became immediately apparent that I should buy a pair to match my frame. I've even since bought a pair of the matching yellow Mavic socks. My Cycling Sensei described the set-up as 'factory', my wife on the other hand said I looked like a clown. But what does she know
Thought you might appreciate this... *waits for abuse for unshaven guns*
@Ali McKee
Not to mention the gross violations going on in the stem/steerer department. Double violation points for the front skewer being on the wrong side of the bike. Trim the leg hair and the steerer!
@wiscot
Ha! You'll have to excuse me as I am only a Pedalwan in his third year on the road
I was aware of the stem/steerer violation - it's on the agenda. Wasn't aware of the front skewer one - what Rule is that? (Rules page isn't loading for me for some reason)
@Ali McKee
Admittedly Rule 41 doesn't address which side of the bike skewers go on because it is just one of those things that is unsaid: they go on the left. This is because the rear skewer always goes on the left so that it doesn't interfere with the rear derailleur; the front follows the same location. That skewers go on the left is just . . . . how it is. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Skewers go on the left. Stick around here long enough and you'll become a raving neurotic about your bike, its set-up and how you look/dress on the bike. It's all part of the fun.
But seriously, shave those guns.
@wiscot
Understood. I will attend to the skewer. Steerer will require my Cycling Sensei's assistance.
Gun shaving is still a big hurdle for me to get over, nevermind my wife, but the neuroticism is growing so maybe it's just a matter of time!
@Ali McKee
Clear up the steerectile dysfunction as well. STAT.
@Ali McKee
Recently took the plunge and worth it. Tan easier, feels great, and although I'm not sure the wife 100% approves, she hasn't really complained, either. Showed up to a group ride last week, and although 90% of the riders were blatant multiple rule violators (ignorance is bliss, I guess), the leader picked me out and told me 'don't be afraid to go ahead of us as you look like you're a serious rider.' Although I am not, as the Keepers found out in Europe, the Rules work! ps - I did stay at the front for the ride.